Mesoporous organic resin supported palladium nanoparticles for efficient hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin

Resorcinol 1,4-phthalaldehyde resin (RPR) was successfully synthesized using a solvent-free self-assembly method employing a template (F127) and a mixture of resorcinol and 14-phthalaldehyde. After the removal of the template (F127) by heating, the PRR exhibited an ordered mesoporous structure with a size of approximately 5.8 nm. After impregnating with Pd species, a RPR supported Pd catalyst (Pd/RPR) was finally obtained, which demonstrated outstanding catalytic performance and good stability in the hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin. With an optimal catalyst, 100% conversion of vanillin and 96.7% selectivity for 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol were achieved under the reaction conditions of 2 MPa H2 in ethanol at 90 degree celsius over 4 hours. The superior catalytic properties of Pd/RPR with high activity and stability are anticipated to be significant for future biofuel upgrades.